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Until a few years ago, sunny Puglia in the deep south of Italy was still an absolute insider's tip. Those who knew it appreciated the region for its olive oil, its down-to-earth yet excellent cuisine and the longest coastline in the country. Those who regularly spent their summers here did so far from luxurious hotels, glamorous bars and Michelin award-winning restaurants. But increasingly, the heel and toe of the boot is becoming a hotspot for those who still want to experience Italy in an authentic way. And although Puglia is very different from the rest of the country in many ways (design, high culture and fashion are not priorities here, for example), the area perfectly embodies the essence of the Italian lifestyle.

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The arrival of unique luxury hotels has in no way damaged the reputation of secret tip Puglia. On the contrary, the peak hotels of Puglia are now among the best in the entire country. Indeed, their approach to the hotel industry is anything but the usual knitting of five-star beach resorts. To this day, for example, the local architecture of whitewashed houses and cottages is preserved. But if you think there are only beaches and olive groves here, you're sorely mistaken: exciting cities, from lively Bari to idyllic Ostuni to baroque Lecce, are just waiting to be discovered.

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Culinary-wise, the region is vegetable-heavy - with simple recipes that long back to the area's relatively poor past but unleash incomparable flavors. Wine connoisseurs will also appreciate the diversity, which goes far beyond Primitivo, Negroamaro and Sangiovese.

Where to Stay

Masseria Calderisi

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For this lovingly designed boutique hotel, a 17th century farmhouse has been carefully restored in keeping with Apulian tradition. Between a lively beach and almost ten hectares of olive groves, citrus and almond trees, herb gardens and vegetable beds await inviting accommodations that embody the pure joie de vivre of the region. The restaurant "La Corte" serves modern Apulian cuisine, and the "Apero Bar" serves the best negronis ever.

Masseria Calderisi
Strada Comunale Sarzano, 12/A, 72015 Fasano BR, Italy
Tel.:  +39 080 433 4340
Web: masseriacalderisi.com
Price: doubles from €780

Masseria Torre Maizza

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This luxury hotel from Rocco Forte combines regional charm with Italian opulence. Exceptionally stylish rooms and suites, top gastronomy and the relaxing ambience make for an all-around fabulous time. No longer an insider tip in Puglia!

Masseria Torre Maizza
Contrada Coccaro 72015, Savelletri BR, Italy
Tel.: +39 080 43811
Web: roccofortehotels.com
Price: doubles from €1510

Masseria Torre Coccaro

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Formerly a 16th century fortified farmhouse, today a family-run masseria - and a classic Apulian success story. Here, too, regional values are upheld and preserved for future generations. The rooms, suites and villas offer the finest in Laidback Luxury, four restaurants including a beach club serve fresh delicacies and the "AVEDA SPA" offers extensive treatments.

Masseria Torre Coccaro
Contrada Coccaro 8, 72015 Savelletri di Fasano BR, Italy
Tel.:  +39 080 482 9310
Web: masseriatorrecoccaro.com
Price: doubles from €310

Palazzo Daniele

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Unparalleled accommodations await at Salento, where ornate frescoes - 19th-century originals - adorn the walls and ceilings. In the suites, modern meets antique; the highlight of the house is an orangery with a coffee house.

Palazzo Daniele
Corso Umberto I 60, 73034 Gagliano del Capo LE, Italy
Tel.:  +39 338 870 5555
Web: palazzodaniele.com
Price: doubles from €425

Where to Eat

Due Camini

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One of the restaurants in the "Borgo Egnazia" may adorn itself with a Michelin star for its creative cuisine.

Due Camini
Strada Comunale Egnazia, 72015 Savelletri BR, Italy
Tel.: +39 080 225 5351
Web: ristoranteduecamini.it

"A_Neto"

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The "Canne Bianche" lifestyle hotel boasts a relaxed al fresco restaurant that draws on the full range of Apulian cuisine for its daily changing menus, creating wonderfully authentic creations.

"A_Neto"
Via Appia 32, 72015 - Torre Canne di Fasano,Brindisi, Italy
Tel.: +39 0804829839
Web: cannebianche.com